Football 4 years ago

Can Glory Take Advantage of Sydney's Woes?

Perth Glory come up against Sydney FC this Saturday, with the New South Wales side in chaos.

Mass protests from The Cove, manager Frank Farina being assaulted with beer by an errant supporter, and players Nick Carle and Matt Thompson banned from training are all symptoms of their recent malaise.

Sydney have recorded a victory just once in their past eight games and have fallen to seventh in the A-League table.

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Glory will have to overcome their own recent lack of form if they are to record a win at the Allianz Stadium and leapfrog their opponents.

The Perth side will have to overcome their recent poor record in Sydney. The team in sky blue have not lost to Glory in their last five home encounters in the A-League.

There is the danger that a siege mentality might develop around Sydney FC, which would galvanise the side in Saturday’s game.

Glory can’t allow that to happen, and must instead start well and get into their stride quickly.

Saša Ognenovski looks to be a shrewd acquisition for Sydney, and their new signing is in the squad for the weekend’s match.

Given Sydney’s recent defensive frailties it would not be surprising to see the big centre back thrown straight into the starting line-up.

Carle and Thompson both made appearances from the substitutes bench in the 3-0 defeat to Adelaide United last week but it is difficult to see them being involved given their apparent defiance of coach Farina.

Alessandro Del Piero will naturally be the most dangerous player for Sydney FC. The World Cup winner still has the potential to easily unlock defences with his pinpoint passing ability.

William Gallas will renew hostilities with the former Juventus legend after meeting in the 2006 World Cup final.

Will the battle between the two veterans have a crucial outcome on the match?